January 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Rationale:  Dr. Barrett will call for nominators from the floor for President.

Rationale:  President will call for nominations from the floor for Vice President.

Rationale:  President will call for nominations from the floor for Secretary.

Rationale: 

• State Statutes 49-14, 101.01, 49-14, 101.02, and 49-1499.03 regarding conflict of interest will be discussed. Disclosure forms will be available if needed.
• Following Board Policy Article 1, Section 7, and to assure that the entire Board acts in accordance with the foregoing legal responsibility, and to ensure the effective functioning of the Board, each Board member will sign the Board-approved Code of Ethics statement.

Rationale: 

• January 21-28, 2024 - School Board Member week in Nebraska
• January 21-22, 2024 - Legislative Issues Conference - Lincoln (Jones, Millette, Richards)
• February 4-5, 2024 - Board President's Retreat - Kearney
• February 19, 2024 - Midwinter Conference
• February 20, 2024 - Regular Board Meeting 
• February 23, 2024 - ESU 13 offices closed
• February 28, 2024 - Administrative Advisory Council will be held at our Sidney location - Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska's Commissioner of Education, will be in attendance.
• March 14-15, 2024 - NRCSA Spring Conference - Lincoln
• July 15, 2024 - Deadline for Incumbent ESU Candidate Filing Form
• August 1, 2024 - Deadline for Non-incumbent ESU Candidate Filing Form

Rationale:  Time limit for each person is three (3) minutes; no response or action taken by the Board.

Rationale: 

• The Bus Barn project has begun. The forms have been poured, and we hope to have the building up soon. 
• We will be requesting bids to replace sidewalks on the north side of the building to reduce tripping hazards, pour the driveway in front of the new bus barn and replace the ramp into the Meridian area of the building. 
• Hail repairs are moving forward. We have replaced the shingles on the original part of the building. Siding repair will happen this spring. 

Rationale:  ESUCC gathered information on ESUs are supporting nonpublic schools throughout the state. 

In the proposed School Safety Standards (Rule 58) ESUs are designated to serve as the grantee for nonpublic schools to be able to access these funds. 

Rationale:  Last year I worked on developing a board member orientation outline. I have shifted that to a website that contains information for new board members and is accessible for all board members. 

Rationale:  ESU 13 utilizes two law firms for legal counsel: Douglas, Kelly, Ostidek, Snyder, Ossian, Vogl, P.C., and Perry Law Firm.

Rationale:  Annually, the Board president appoints Board members to committees.

Rationale:  Each year, the Board approves ESU 13's current depositories as listed on the Treasurer's Report, and gives the Treasurer and/or the Administrator the latitude to shift funds when in ESU 13's best interest. 

Rationale:  Pursuant to Board Policy Article 2, Section 6(A), and the Open Meetings Act, meeting notices will be published in a newspaper of general circulation within ESU 13's jurisdiction. 

Rationale:  Board Policy Article 1, Section 2(C)7 requires the Board to determine whether or not to continue membership in professional organizations. ESU 13's current memberships are AESA, NASB, NRCSA.

Rationale:  Annually, the Board is asked for authorization to pay credit cards, utilities, and payroll between Board meetings. These claims are then included with the Check Listing for official approval at the next regular meeting. 

Rationale:  As part of our annual organizational meeting, the Board is asked to approve the process for review and approval of Board Policy updates and amendments. 

Rationale:  A complete and comprehensive audit shall be made of the books, accounts, records, and affairs of ESU 13.  A proposal for the financial audit of ESU 13 for fiscal years ending 2024, 2025, and 2026 has been received by Dana F. Cole and Company, LLP.  The administrator recommends approval of the proposal.